Week 4 NFL expert picks: Even national analysts picking Lions over Vikings

We’re in unfamiliar territory in Week 4 of the NFL. Although the Detroit Lions are underdogs for the fourth straight week, experts don’t exactly see it that way. For the first time all year, the majority of experts, both local and national, are choosing a Lions victory.

And it’s not just a small minority picking Detroit over the Minnesota Vikings, but a there’s a clear favoring of the Lions picking up their first divisional win of the season.

Seven of eight SB Nation experts are taking the Lions, while even ESPN is on Detroit’s side. Seven of 10 ESPN staffers have Detroit coming out of Minnesota with a W. Here’s a look at the national picks:

National analysts:

ESPN: 7 of 10 picked Lions
SB Nation: 7 of 8 picked Lions
CBS Sports: 3 of 8 picked Lions
Pro Football Focus: 4 of 9 picked Lions
Sports Illustrated: 4 of 6 picked Lions

Total: 25 of 41 picked Lions (61.0%)

Locally, the favoritism is even more pronounced. A whopping 75 percent of Detroit analysts picking the Lions to win, including all four staffers at the Detroit News. Take a look:

Local analysts:

MLive: 2 of 2 picked Lions
Freep: 2 of 4 picked Lions
Detroit News: 4 of 4 picked Lions
Detroit Jock City: 5 of 8 picked Lions
Pride of Detroit: 8 of 10 picked Lions

Total: 21 of 28 picked Lions (75.0%)

Can the Lions live up to such high expectations against a pretty good Vikings team? Kickoff is only a few hours away. For now, it’s time for you to give us your pick.